A Roman ship that sank about 2,200 years ago off the coast of present-day Croatia has offered new evidence about how ancient crews protected their vessels at sea. The wreck, known as Ilovik–Paržine 1, dates to the middle of the second century BCE. Researchers from France and Croatia studied its outer coating and found details that link shipbuilding, repair work, and the environment across parts of the Adriatic.
The team focused on waterproof layers applied to the hull. Ships in antiquity relied on coatings to keep out seawater and limit damage from organisms such as worms. These materials often came from plant resins, tars, and waxes, yet they have received far less attention than wood structures. In this case, scientists combined molecular testing with pollen analysis to examine ten samples taken from different parts of the vessel.
Most of the coating consisted of pitch made from heated conifer resin. Chemical markers in every sample pointed to pine sources. One sample stood apart. It contained a mixture of pitch and beeswax. This blend, known in ancient texts as zopissa, appears in the writings of Pliny the Elder and was used by Greek shipbuilders. Adding wax made the coating more flexible and easier to spread when hot.
Pollen trapped inside the sticky pitch added another layer of information. These microscopic grains reflect the plants growing near where the material was produced or applied. The samples showed a wide mix of environments. Researchers identified Mediterranean shrublands with olive and hazel, forests of holly oak and pine, and trees such as alder and ash that grow near water. Small amounts of fir and beech pointed to nearby upland zones. Together, these traces match landscapes found along both the Italian and northeastern Adriatic coasts.
The distribution of coatings across the ship also told a story. Statistical analysis indicated four to five separate batches. The stern and central sections shared one type, while the bow showed several distinct layers. This pattern suggests repeated repairs over time or the use of materials gathered from different locations. Long-distance voyages often required maintenance, yet physical proof has been difficult to document.
Earlier work on the ship’s ballast linked its construction to Brundisium, modern Brindisi in southern Italy. The pollen data supports this link for part of the coating. Other layers likely came from areas closer to where the ship sank near Ilovik Island. The mix of sources fits a vessel that moved across the Adriatic and underwent upkeep along the way.
The study also shows the value of combining chemical and biological methods. Molecular results alone indicated similar materials across samples, but pollen revealed differences in origin and application. This approach opens new ways to study ancient shipbuilding and maintenance. Waterproof coatings, often overlooked, hold detailed records of trade routes, local resources, and the practical skills of past shipwrights.
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